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The CEA Card: Benefits for Disabled People & Free Cinema Tickets
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
December 10, 2024
The CEA Card is a UK scheme that helps disabled people enjoy the cinema with extra support. It allows one carer, PA or companion to accompany you for free, making film trips more accessible and affordable. This guide explains how to apply for a CEA Card, who is eligible, and the key benefits it provides.
Save extra money with Purpl by taking advantage of Cinema Society discounts with savings of up to 40% off cinema tickets as well as discounts on snack, plus you can also get discounts for a wide range of cinemas including Odeon, Vue, Showcase cinemas and more.
In this Article
- What is the CEA Card?
- Who is Eligible for a CEA Card?
- Benefits of the CEA Card
- How to Apply for the CEA Card
- How to Apply for the CEA Card for a Child
- Participating Cinemas
- Reasonable Adjustments for Disabled Cinema-Goers
- Let’s Make Saving Easier
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CEA Card?
The CEA Card is a National card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA). It allows a disabled person to bring a companion, PA or carer for free to participating cinemas. To get the free ticket, you will need to purchase a full price ticket for yourself for the same performance of the same film in the same auditorium in a single transaction.
The CEA Card helps ensure that UK cinemas stay accessible and inclusive for disabled guests, but it is only one part of wider support. Under the Equality Act, if you need adjustments to visit a cinema because of your disability, staff are required to make reasonable changes for you whether you have a CEA Card or not.
The free ticket is provided on the assumption that the person who accompanies you can provide you with appropriate assistance, this might include:
- helping you move around the cinema including finding and taking a seat
- helping you leave the cinema in the event of an emergency
- accompanying and/or helping you use the cinema’s toilets
- helping you buy refreshments
Who is Eligible for a CEA Card?
You can apply for a CEA Card if you have a disability or impairment that requires additional support when visiting the cinema. To qualify, the person requiring assistance must be 5 years of age or older and be in receipt of one of the following:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult / Child Disability Payment (ADP / CDP in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
Or hold:
- Severely Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Registered Blind)
- Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Partially Sighted)
Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or being a Blue Badge holder are not accepted as sole proof of eligibility.
Benefits of the CEA Card
The CEA Card offers a range of benefits that make cinema trips more accessible and affordable:
- Free Tickets for Carers: – With the CEA Card, one carer, PA or companion can accompany you to the cinema free of charge. As a result, it becomes much easier to access the support you need during your visit.
- Widespread Acceptance – In addition, over 90% of UK cinemas take part in the scheme. This includes major chains like Odeon, Cineworld, Vue, as well as many independent cinemas.
- Easy Accessibility – Furthermore, the card helps ensure that cinemas accommodate your needs. Whether you require wheelchair access, hearing loops, or other types of support, the card makes it simpler to arrange.
- Cost-Effective Entertainment – As a result, regular cinema visits become more affordable, particularly if you often need a companion.
- Valid for All Film Screenings – What’s more, the CEA Card is valid for all standard screenings. This includes 2D, 3D, IMAX, and even special event films.
- Streamlined Booking: Finally, many participating cinemas provide online booking options. This allows you to use your CEA Card to reserve both your ticket and your carer’s ticket quickly and at no extra cost.
- Membership to Purpl Discounts: You can use your CEA card to verify and become a member of Purpl Discounts and get access to disabled discounts from hundreds of brands
How to Apply for a CEA Card
The application process for the CEA Card is straightforward and can be completed either online or by post. Applying online is usually quicker and easier, while applying by post is a good option if you feel more comfortable with paper forms, though it will take a little longer to receive your card.
If you need help completing the application, there are several options. You can ask a friend or family member to support you, search for step-by-step video guides, follow our detailed instructions, or contact Citizens Advice. Many Citizens Advice centres also offer drop-in sessions where staff can help with form filling and other disability-related paperwork.
Apply for a CEA Card Online
- Visit the official CEA Card website
- Fill out the application form, including:
- Personal details
- Proof of eligibility (uploaded as a digital file)
- Upload a passport-sized photo for your card
- Pay the £6.50 application fee (valid for one year) via a secure payment system
- Once submitted, your card will be posted to you within 7 working days
Apply for a CEA Card by Post
- Download and print the application form from the CEA Card website or request one by calling their customer service.
- Complete the form and attach:
- A passport-sized photo
- Photocopies of your eligibility documentation
- A cheque or postal order for £6.50
- Send your application to the address provided on the form
- Allow extra time for processing and postal delivery
How to Apply for a CEA Card for Someone Else
You can apply on behalf of someone else if they are unable to do so. You must have their authority to apply for a card on their behalf and you must have explicit consent from the cardholder to supply their proof of eligibility.
- When applying online, first select the option “I am completing on behalf of the person requiring assistance.”
- Next, fill in your own details, including your postcode and your relationship to the cardholder.
- After that, enter the details of the person requiring assistance, who will be the official cardholder.
- Then, upload or send proof of eligibility in the cardholder’s name. Remember, documents must be in their name, not your own.
- Once complete, upload a recent photo of the person requiring assistance.
- Following this, pay the £6.00 application fee (valid for one year) through the secure online payment system.
- Finally, after submission, the CEA Card will be printed and posted to you within 7 working days.
How to Apply for a CEA Card for a Child
If your child is between 5 and 16 years old, you will need to apply for a CEA Card on their behalf. However, even though you complete the application, your child will still be the cardholder as they are the person requiring care. The card will always be printed in your child’s name.
To apply, you must hold parental responsibility. This means you are either their parent, nominated guardian, or legal representative.
- When applying online, select ‘I am completing on behalf of the person requiring assistance’
- Fill in your details first, including your postcode
- In the next step, you will enter the details of the child (the cardholder)
- Upload or send proof of eligibility in the name of the child, not in your own name
- Upload a photo of the child
- Pay the £6.50 application fee (valid for one year) via a secure payment system
- Once submitted, your card will be posted to you within 7 working days
Participating Cinemas
Approximately 90% of cinemas in the UK accept the CEA card. You can search the list of Participating Cinemas on the CEA website here..
If your local cinema does not accept the CEA Card, then start by contacting them directly. Ask why they do not take part and whether they may be open to change in the future.
In addition, remember that even cinemas not accepting the CEA Card are still required by law to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act. This means you may still be able to get the support you need to enjoy an accessible cinema experience.
Reasonable Adjustments for Disabled Cinema-Goers
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires cinemas to make “reasonable adjustments.” This ensures disabled people can access their services and enjoy the cinema equally with non-disabled people.
The adjustments will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the cinema’s ability to implement them. Here are examples of reasonable adjustments a disabled person might request:
Wheelchair Access
- Step-free entry to the cinema and screening rooms.
- Accessible seating areas designed for wheelchair users.
- Adequate space provided within screening rooms for wheelchairs.
Accessible Toilets
- Toilets designed for disabled users located close to screening areas.
- Staff available to assist with entry and exit if needed.
Seating Options
- Companion seating so a carer, PA or family member can sit next to the disabled person.
- Reclining or adapted seats offering extra support for specific physical conditions, such as back pain.
- Priority seating reserved closer to screens or exits for easier access.
Sensory Adjustments
- Subtitled screenings for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.
- Audio-described showings for visually impaired audiences.
- Adjusted sound and lighting for sensory sensitivities, such as autism-friendly screenings.
- Hearing loop systems and other assistive listening devices.
- Staff trained in disability awareness and accessible communication.
Ticketing and Support
- Free or discounted tickets for carers through the CEA Card scheme.
- Flexible booking policies that allow ticket exchanges or refunds when needed.
- Queue assistance or priority entry to reduce waiting times.
- Service animals, such as guide dogs, welcome in cinemas.
Accessible Information and Relaxed Policies
- Information about screenings and services available in accessible formats.
- Relaxed screenings where standard rules (such as “no talking”) are adjusted to meet specific needs.
- Late arrival allowances for those who require extra time to get seated.
How to Request
- Contact in Advance: Reach out to the cinema management beforehand to explain the adjustments you require.
- Check Policies: Many cinemas, especially larger chains, outline their disability-friendly policies on their websites.
- CEA Card Scheme: If applicable, sign up for the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) Card, which can make requesting adjustments easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits do I get with a CEA Card?
The CEA Card entitles you to one free ticket for someone to accompany you to the cinema to provide the assistance you may need during your visit. To get the free ticket, you will need to purchase a full price ticket for yourself for the same performance of the same film in the same auditorium in a single transaction.
You can use your CEA to apply for your Purpl Disabled Discount Membership and get incredible and exclusive deals and discounts on your favourite brands today.
How long is the CEA Card valid for?
The CEA Card is valid for one year, you can find the date on the card.
How can I get in touch with The CEA Card?
Write to them at: CEA Card, PO Box 199, Deeside, CH5 9BW
Telephone: 01244 526 016
Textphone: 18001 01244 526 016
These phone numbers connect to our UK Call Centre. Calls charged at standard UK Landline rates.
Office Hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays.
Alternatively you can email them using the website contact form or at [email protected].
What are the Terms & Conditions for using a CEA Card?
How much does a CEA Card cost?
The cost is £6, this covers a number of costs in running the scheme, such as maintaining the website, processing applications and producing the Card.
How to cancel your CEA Card
If you decide you no longer wish to have a CEA Card, please contact the CEA Card as soon as possible after completing your application at [email protected] or on 01244 526 016 and advise them that you wish to cancel.
They will refund your £6.00 application fee up to the point of printing the card but are unable to refund the cost of the card after it has been produced as it is personalised. Please see their full Cancellation Policy for further details.
Where should I send the payment?
If you have chosen to send your payment by post, please send your cheque or Postal Order for £6.00 made payable to CEA Card to: CEA Card, PO Box 199, Deeside, CH5 9BW. Make sure you include your name and application reference with your payment and please don’t send cash.
If you have chosen to send payment online, then fill in the online payment option
What sort of photo do I need for my CEA Card?
A recent photo that is a true likeness of the cardholder. It doesn’t need to be an official passport photograph, as long as it shows your head and shoulders clearly and is of good quality.
If you’re applying online, you could take a ‘selfie’ photo with your camera phone or tablet, and upload that. If you are doing so, please don’t take the photo with a window behind you.
Try to avoid busy backgrounds. Please do not take a photo of your previous CEA card, blue badge or from your passport as these will not be good enough quality for print.
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.
She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband, son, three stepsons, two cats, and a friendly Labrador. A keen reader, Lego enthusiast, and family-focused person, Georgina is committed to building a supportive, inclusive community for those navigating life with a disability.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
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